Holding aid for a personal, hand-held, tablet-shaped device and methods of use

ABSTRACT

What is disclosed is a securement device to make it much easier for a user to securely hold onto a personal, hand-held, tablet-shaped device such as an electronic reader, a tablet computing device, a cellular phone, a personal data assistant, and a common clipboard—while minimizing the fatigue and discomfort on the user&#39;s hands. A typical embodiment of the present disclosure solves this problem by providing a system of one or more finger holds formed with a fabric or pliable material (e.g., polypropylene, nylon, neoprene, cloth, vinyl, rubber, elastomeric material, etc.) that are disposed on the back side of the personal, hand-held, tablet-shaped device. In many embodiments, the position and fit of the finger holds are easily adjustable by a user via hook-and-loop schemes.

BACKGROUND

The marketplace has seen the proliferation of many types of personal,hand-held, electronic devices over the last decade or so. Such devicesare typically thin and tablet-shaped, and include the popular electronicreaders (so-called “e-readers”), such as the Amazon Kindle®, Barnes &Noble Nook®, and the Sony eReader®. Other similar devices include newversions of tablet computers such as the Apple iPad®, Google Android®,and many other related devices in an ever-expanding market. A primaryand very popular use for these types of personal electronic devices isto display and read electronic books in lieu of a traditional bound,typeset book. In addition, most of these types of devices also supportthe display and viewing of various other types of media; e.g., photos,web pages, video, etc.

The manufacturers of such personal, hand-held, electronic devicesgenerally try to design them to be fairly thin and relativelylight-weight so that users are not overly burdened to store, carry, andhold the devices. Nevertheless, a typical user may spend many hoursreading in a given setting, such as relaxing to read while in areclining chair or bed, and often finds it uncomfortable to have to gripthe device over such a long period of time due to fatigue or evencramping. In addition, users often find themselves needing to do otherthings; e.g., moving around, getting a cup of coffee, etc.; and can findthemselves inadvertently fumbling with their hand-held tablet-shapeddevice and/or dropping the device altogether. Similarly, if a userchooses to try and hold such a device without gripping it, and insteadmerely balance it on the user's hand(s), that can prove to be taxing ona user over an extended period of time as well.

There are devices known for assisting a user in the holding of a book, aclipboard, and the like, in settings where there is no readily availableplatform such as a podium or table to conveniently set down the book orclipboard while reading from it. Many of those solutions are directed todetachably mounting the book or tablet-shaped item onto some sort offixed structure to free a user's hands during use. In other solutionsthat are specifically directed to a traditional book, a strap isprovided along the spine of the book for a user to slip his or her handthrough such that the spine of the book rests in the palm of the userhand while the strap exerts pressure on the back side of the user's handto allow the user to hold the book without much effort. This lattersolution is somewhat impractical to employ for a personal, hand-held,tablet-shaped electronic device, and the security of the user's hold onthe device is not optimum, especially when one considers the monetaryinvestment made to obtain the electronic device in the first place.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of the back-panel side of a personal,hand-held, tablet-shaped device, such as an e-reader, to which isattached a pair of back-panel coupling members, each of which iscomprised of an adhesively attached strip for secure attachment to theback panel of the personal, hand-held, tablet-shaped device. The outerside of each back-panel coupling member comprises one mating part ofcoupling system for coupling with a finger-grip member. Often thiscoupling system is hook-and-loop coupling system. Each finger-gripmember that is coupled to its respective back-panel coupling member hasat least one aperture adapted for receiving a user finger.

FIG. 2 depicts one embodiment of the back-panel side of a personal,hand-held, tablet-shaped device, such as an e-reader, to which isattached a plurality of back-panel coupling members that forms one bigback-panel coupling member, each of which is comprised of an adhesivelyattached strip for secure attachment to the back panel of the personal,hand-held, tablet-shaped device. In a variation, instead of being aplurality of such strips, the back-panel coupling member can be a singlewide mat of the same material. The outer side of the back-panel couplingmember comprises one mating part of coupling system for coupling withone or more finger-grip members. Often this coupling system ishook-and-loop coupling system. Each finger-grip member that is coupledto the back-panel coupling member has at least one aperture adapted forreceiving a user finger.

FIG. 3 depicts the embodiment of FIG. 1; however, this figure also showsan example of the engagement of one of the finger-grip members with fourfingers of a user hand.

FIG. 4 depicts one embodiment of the front view of same embodiment shownin FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 depicts the embodiment of FIG. 1, except that one of thefinger-grip members is shown detached from its back-panel couplingmember and flipped over in order to show the finger-grip member's “hook”part of a hook-and-loop for coupling with a back-panel member.

FIG. 6 depicts the embodiment of FIG. 2; however, this figure also showsan example of the engagement of one of the finger-grip members with fourfingers of a user hand.

FIG. 7 depicts one embodiment of a set of variously sized and shapedback-panel coupling members and a set of variously sized finger-gripmembers that might be contained in a kit to facilitate a user's abilityto assemble and install a securement apparatus on the back of auser-selected personal, tablet-shaped device. These depicted sets arenot intended to limit the number and various sizes and shapes of suchcomponents that could be included in such a kit. In addition, thisfigure also shows two examples of a user-adjustable finger-grip aperture(see items 4A).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Overview

The present disclosure is directed generally to a securement device tomake it much easier for a user to securely hold onto a personal,hand-held, tablet-shaped device such as an electronic reader (forexample, Amazon Kindle®, Barnes & Noble Nook®, and the Sony eReader®), atablet computing device (for example the Apple iPad®, Google Android®,and many others in an ever-expanding market), a cellular phone, apersonal data assistant (PDA), and even just a common clipboard—whileminimizing the fatigue and discomfort on the user's hands. A typicalembodiment of the present inventive disclosure solves this problem byproviding a system of one or more finger holds formed with a fabric orpliable material (e.g., polypropylene, nylon, neoprene, cloth, vinyl,rubber, elastomeric material, etc.) that are disposed on the back sideof the personal, hand-held, tablet-shaped device.

Taking a Kindle® e-reader in one embodiment, the e-reader has anattached mat of one side of a hook-and-loop coupler (usually, this wouldbe the “loop” part) to the back side of the e-reader. This mat could beone large mat, or a plurality of strips or patches of matting. In anyevent, a user can attach to that mat one or more finger-grip members byway of the matching part of the hook-and-loop coupler. Each finger-gripmember can have one or more apertures for receiving a user finger, withthe apertures in each finger-grip member generally aligned in parallelwith each other. In a variation for this c-reader example, there are twofinger-grip members, each having four apertures designed to receive thefour digits (excluding the thumb) on each of the user's hands. Becauseeach finger-grip member is easily detachable (via the hook-and-loopcoupling), each finger-grip member can be positioned any way a userfinds more convenient. A user can even decide to employ only one of thefinger-grip members.

In other embodiments, the finger-grip member can be attached on eitherof its longitudinal sides via the hook-and-loop coupling. In still otherembodiments, the basic principle underlying the above-describedembodiments could be applied to even cell phones, where perhaps there isonly a single finger-grip member and that finger-grip member has onlyone or two apertures for receiving a user finger (or perhaps two userfingers) to help a user hold onto his or her cell phone while walkingand doing various activities.

In still more embodiments, the securement device is built into, orinstalled onto, the back side of a protective cover that is designed toreceive a personal, hand-held, tablet-shaped device. Such protectivecovers (or sometimes referred to in the art as “skins”) can be made ofplastic, rubber, silicone, or some other suitable material that canprovide shock absorption and/or scratch resistance protection for thegenerally encased personal, hand-held, tablet-shaped device.

Of course, a secondary use of the back-side-mounted mat on thetablet-shaped device is to mount the personal, hand-held, tablet-shapeddevice on any surface that happens to have a mating part of ahook-and-loop coupling.

Terminology

The terms and phrases as indicated in quotes (“ ”) in this section areintended to have the meaning ascribed to them in this Terminologysection applied to them throughout this document, including the claims,unless clearly indicated otherwise in context. Further, as applicable,the stated definitions are to apply, regardless of the word or phrase'scase, to the singular and plural variations of the defined word orphrase.

The term “or”, as used in this specification and the appended claims, isnot meant to be exclusive; rather, the term is inclusive, meaning“either or both”.

References in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “apreferred embodiment”, “an alternative embodiment”, “a variation”, “onevariation”, and similar phrases mean that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodimentis included in at least an embodiment of the invention. The appearancesof the phrase “in one embodiment” and/or “in one variation” in variousplaces in the specification are not necessarily all meant to refer tothe same embodiment.

The term “couple” or “coupled”, as used in this specification and theappended claims, refers to either an indirect or a direct connectionbetween the identified elements, components, or objects. Often themanner of the coupling will be related specifically to the manner inwhich the two coupled elements interact.

The term “removable”, “removably coupled”, “readily removable”, “readilydetachable”, and similar terms, as used in this patent applicationspecification (including the claims and drawings), refer to structuresthat can be uncoupled from an adjoining structure with relative ease(i.e., non-destructively and without a complicated or time-consumingprocess) and that can also be readily reattached or coupled to thepreviously adjoining structure.

Directional and/or relational terms such as, but not limited to, left,right, nadir, apex, top, bottom, vertical, horizontal, back, front, andlateral are relative to each other, are dependent on the specificorientation of an applicable element or article, are used accordingly toaid in the description of the various embodiments, and are notnecessarily intended to be construed as limiting.

As applicable, the teens “about” or “generally”, as used herein unlessotherwise indicated, means a margin of +−20%. Also, as applicable, theterm “substantially” as used herein unless otherwise indicated means amargin of +−10%. It is to be appreciated that not all uses of the aboveterms are quantifiable such that the referenced ranges can be applied.

The terms “a personal, hand-held, tablet-shaped device” and “a personaltablet-shaped device”, as used in this specification and the appendedclaims, generically refers to any substantially tablet-shaped personalhand-held electronic device such as an electronic reader (for example,Amazon Kindle®, Barnes & Noble Nook®, and the Sony eReader®), a tabletcomputing device (for example the Apple iPad®, Google Android®, and manyothers in an ever-expanding market), a cellular phone, and a personaldata assistant (PDA). In alternative embodiments, term “a personal,hand-held, tablet-shaped device” can also refer to a common clipboard.

First Embodiment An Ergonomic User-Hand-Engagement Apparatus for aPersonal Tablet-Shaped Device

This embodiment is directed generally to an ergonomicuser-hand-engagement apparatus for a personal, hand-held, tablet-shapeddevice designed to enable a user to easily and securely hold onto apersonal, hand-held, tablet-shaped device such as an electronic reader(for example, Amazon Kindle®, Barnes & Noble Nook®, and the SonyeReader®), a tablet computing device (for example the Apple iPad®,Google Android®, and many others in an ever-expanding market), acellular phone, or even just a plain old clipboard—while minimizing thefatigue and discomfort on the user's hands.

Refer to FIGS. 1-7. A typical embodiment of the present inventivedisclosure solves this problem by providing a system of one or morefinger-grip members 3 formed with a fabric or pliable material that iscomprised of polypropylene, nylon, neoprene, cloth, vinyl, rubber, orother suitable materials, wherein the finger-grip members 3 aredetachably coupled to a the back panel of the personal, hand-held,tablet-shaped device 5 by way of a detachable coupling with one or moreback-panel members 2, which in turn are securely attached to the backpanel of the personal, hand-held, tablet-shaped device 5. Hereinafter,for exemplary purposes only, the term “personal, hand-held,tablet-shaped device” 5 will be substituted with “e-reader” 5; however,one skilled in the art would appreciate that myriad similarly shapeddevices can be used with the ergonomic user-hand-engagement apparatusdescribed herein, and therefore are contemplated to be encompassed bythis embodiment.

In an embodiment, the e-reader 5 has an attached mat 2 (the back-panelcoupling member 2) of one side of a hook-and-loop coupler (usually, thiswould be the “loop” part to aid in user comfort when handling thee-reader 5, and protect surfaces upon which the e-reader 5 might belaid) to the back side of the e-reader 5. This mat 2 could be one largemat, or a plurality of strips or patches of matting of various sizes andshapes that allow the back-panel coupling device 2 to be adapted to thetopography of the back of the e-reader 5. In many variations, the mat 2is attached to the back panel of the e-reader 5 using an adhesivemedium.

In an embodiment, a user can attach to the mat 2 one or more finger-gripmembers 3 by way of the matching part of the hook-and-loop coupler. Eachfinger-grip member 3 can have one or more apertures 4 for receiving auser finger 6, with the apertures 4 in each finger-grip member 3generally aligned in parallel with each other. In a variation, there aretwo finger-grip members 3, each having four apertures 4 designed toreceive the four digits (excluding the thumb) on each of the user'shands 6. A user would have the option of engaging the e-reader 5 withone or both of the user's hands 6 with a respective finger-grip member3. Because each finger-grip member 3 is easily detachable (via thehook-and-loop coupling), each finger-grip member 3 can be positioned onthe back-panel coupling member 2 any way a user finds more convenient. Auser can even decide to employ only one of the finger-grip members 3. Invarious embodiments, each finger-grip member 3 is comprised of a fabricor pliable material such as of polypropylene webbing, nylon, neoprene,cloth, terry cloth, vinyl, rubber, or other suitable materials, whereinthe finger-receiving apertures 4 are formed by sewing or otherwisesecurely attaching (e.g., thermoplastic welding, adhesives, etc.)intermittent portions of the finger-grip aperture 4 material to thesubstrate that comprises the back-panel coupling surface on the side ofthe substrate opposite of the finger-grip apertures 4.

In other variations of this embodiment, the detachable coupling schemebetween the back-panel coupling member 2 and the finger-grip member(s) 3can be by way of using mechanical snaps or magnetic coupling, wherein,obviously, both the back-panel coupling member and the finger-gripmember(s) 3 would have to have the appropriate hardware built into themto support either of those coupling schemes.

In still other embodiments, the finger-grip member 3 can be attached tothe back-panel coupling member 2 using either of the finger-gripmember's 3 longitudinal sides via the coupling scheme used for theapparatus, discussed supra.

In some variations, the finger-grip member(s) 3 have size-adjustablefinger-receiving apertures 4 so that a user can adjust the fit to theuser's inserted finger(s) 6 to the user's preference and comfort. Forexample, in one such variation, one or more of the finger-receivingapertures 4 is a small strap that can be coupled at various lengths atleast one end of the small strap to the substrate of the finger-gripmember 3. In some other embodiments, the finger-grip apertures 4 areadapted to snuggly fit onto one or more inserted user fingers 6, whereinthe material used to form the finger-grip aperture(s) 4 is elastic innature and sized slightly smaller than the diameter of a targeted user'sfinger.

In more embodiments, the basic principle underlying the above-describedembodiments could be applied to relatively small personal,tablet-shaped, electronic devices 5 such as cell phones, wherein in anembodiment there is only a single finger-grip member 3 and thatfinger-grip member 3 has only one or two apertures 4 for receiving auser finger 6 (or, in a variation, perhaps two user fingers) to help auser hold onto his or her cell phone 5 while walking and doing variousactivities.

In yet other variations, the basic principle underlying theabove-described embodiments could be applied to non-electronic,personal, hand-held, tablet-shaped devices 5 such as clip boards andother types of notebooks.

As a result of adding the apparatus described supra to a personal,hand-held, tablet-shaped device, a new and improved device 1 is formedto minimize the chance of a user inadvertently dropping his or herdevice and damaging it.

In still more embodiments, the personal, hand-held, tablet-shaped device5 incorporates a partially encasing protective covering (sometimesreferred to in the art as “skins”) made of plastic, rubber, silicone, orsome other similar material, and the ergonomic user-hand-engagementapparatus 1 described herein is installed on the exterior side of theprotective cover that substantially covers the back panel of thepersonal, hand-held, tablet-shaped device 5. Such protective coveringstypically provide scratch resistance and/or shock absorption for thedevices when dropped, mishandled, etc., while still having openings inthe protective covering to allow a user to access controls and see thedisplay screen; hence, such coverings are referred to herein as“partially encasing” the associated personal, hand-held, tablet-shapeddevice 5. In a variant of this embodiment, the back-panel couplingmember 2 of the securement device is built into/formed within the backside of a protective cover that is designed to receive a personal,hand-held, tablet-shaped device 5.

Of course, a secondary use of the back-side-mounted mat 2 (that is, theback-panel coupling member 2) on the personal, hand-held, tablet-shapeddevice 5 is to mount the personal, hand-held, tablet-shaped device 5 onany surface that happens to have an effective mating part of a couplingscheme, discussed supra. For example, in a variation, the “loop” part ofa hook-and-loop coupling scheme is disposed on the back panel of ane-reader 5 such that the e-reader 5 could be detachably mounted on anysurface that can serve as the “hook” part of the hook-and-loop coupling.

Second Embodiment An Ergonomic User-Hand-Engagement Apparatus for aPersonal Tablet-Shaped Device

This embodiment is directed generally to an ergonomicuser-hand-engagement apparatus for a personal, hand-held, tablet-shapeddevice designed to enable a user to easily and securely hold onto apersonal, hand-held, tablet-shaped device such as an electronic reader(for example, Amazon Kindle®, Barnes & Noble Nook®, and the SonyeReader®), a tablet computing device (for example the Apple iPad®,Google Android®, and many others in an ever-expanding market), acellular phone, or even just a common—while minimizing the fatigue anddiscomfort on the user's hands.

Refer to FIGS. 1-7. The embodiment is directed to an apparatus forholding a personal tablet-shaped device 5 in a user's hand 6, whereinthe personal tablet-shaped device 5 has a substantially planar portionon its back surface. The apparatus comprises:

-   -   a back-panel coupling member 2 configured for attachment to a        substantially planar back surface of a personal tablet-shaped        device 5; and    -   at least one finger-grip member 3 configured for detachable        coupling to the back-panel coupling member 2, wherein the at        least one finger-grip member 3 can be detachably coupled to the        back-panel coupling member 2 in a user-specified orientation        relative to the substantially planar back surface of a personal        tablet-shaped device 5.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the detachable couplingbetween the back-panel coupling member 2 and the at the least onefinger-grip member 3 is selected from the group consisting ofhook-and-loop coupling, mechanical-snap coupling, and magnetic coupling.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the detachable couplingbetween the back-panel coupling member 2 and the at least onefinger-grip member 3 is a hook-and-loop coupling; the back-panelcoupling member's 2 detachable coupling surface is the “loop” part of ahook-and-loop coupling; and the at least one finger-grip member's 3detachable coupling surface is the “hook” part of a hook-and-loopcoupling.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the back-panel couplingmember 2 is comprised of a plurality of pieces of matting, which can bevarious shaped and sized to accommodate the topology of the back panelof the targeted personal tablet-shaped device, each piece of which canact as a “loop” part of a hook-and-loop coupling.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the detachable couplingbetween the back-panel coupling member 2 and the at least onefinger-grip member 3 is a hook-and-loop coupling; the back-panelcoupling member's 2 detachable coupling surface is the “hook” part of ahook-and-loop coupling; and the at least one finger-grip member's 3detachable coupling surface is the “loop” part of a hook-and-loopcoupling.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the back-panel couplingmember 2 is comprised of a plurality of pieces of matting, which can bevarious shaped and sized to accommodate the topology of the back panelof the targeted personal tablet-shaped device, each piece of which canact as a “hook” part of a hook-and-loop coupling.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the at least onefinger-grip member 3 has at least one looped aperture 4 adapted tosnuggly engage one or more user fingers on a user hand 6; each at leastone looped aperture 4 is oriented such that the longitudinal axis ofeach at least one looped aperture 4 is substantially parallel to thesubstantially planar back surface of the personal tablet-shaped device5; and said snuggly engagement allows a user to securely hold thepersonal tablet-shaped device 5 without a user having to consciouslygrip the personal tablet-shaped device 5.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein each looped aperture 4is adapted to receive only one user finger 6.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein each at least onefinger-grip member 3 has at least one looped aperture 4 adapted to beadjustably fitted to a user finger 6. In a further variation of this, atleast one said finger-grip member 3 looped aperture 4 is defined by astrap of material 4A that is fixedly coupled at a point along the strap4A to the finger-grip member 3; that strap of material 4A has a “hook”part of a hook-and-loop coupling on one side, and has a “loop” part of ahook-and-loop coupling on the other side; and that strap of material 4Acan be made into a variable-sized aperture 4 by detachably coupling aportion of the “loop” part of the strap 4A to a portion of the “hook”part of the strap 4A.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the at least one loopedaperture 4 is substantially comprised of an elastic material.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the apparatus 1 isadapted for a user to hold a personal tablet-shaped device 5 selectedfrom the group consisting of e-readers, cellular phones, tabletcomputers, personal data assistants, and clipboards.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the apparatus 1 isadapted for a user to hold a personal tablet-shaped device 5 that is atleast partially encased within a protective covering. In somevariations, such a protective covering is substantially comprised of amaterial selected from the group consisting of plastic, rubber, andsilicone, though other suitable elastic materials could also be used.

In still other variations, the back-panel coupling member 2 isconfigured for attachment to a substantially planar back surface on apersonal tablet-shaped device 5 by being incorporated into the structureof a protective covering that is adapted to substantially encase apersonal tablet-shaped device 5.

Third Embodiment A Method of Making an Ergonomic User-Hand-EngagementApparatus for a Personal Tablet-Shaped Device

This embodiment is directed generally to a method of making an ergonomicuser-hand-engagement apparatus for a personal, hand-held, tablet-shapeddevice, designed to enable a user to easily and securely hold onto apersonal, hand-held, tablet-shaped device such as an electronic reader(for example, Amazon Kindle®, Barnes & Noble Nook®, and the SonyeReader®), a tablet computing device (for example the Apple iPad®,Google Android®, and many others in an ever-expanding market), acellular phone, or even just a common clipboard—while minimizing thefatigue and discomfort on the user's hands.

Refer to FIGS. 1-7. The embodiment is directed to a method of making anapparatus for holding a personal tablet-shaped device 5 in a user's hand6, wherein the personal tablet-shaped device 5 has a substantiallyplanar portion on its back surface. The method comprises the steps of:

-   -   Providing a back-panel coupling member 2 configured for        attachment to a substantially planar back surface of a personal        tablet-shaped device 5; and    -   Providing at least one finger-grip member 3 configured for        detachable coupling to the back-panel coupling member 2, wherein        the at least one finger-grip member 3 can be detachably coupled        to the back-panel coupling member 2 in a user-specified        orientation relative to the substantially planar back surface of        a personal tablet-shaped device 5.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the detachable couplingbetween the back-panel coupling member 2 and the at least onefinger-grip member 3 is selected from the group consisting ofhook-and-loop coupling, mechanical-snap coupling, and magnetic coupling.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the detachable couplingbetween the back-panel coupling member 2 and the at least onefinger-grip member 3 is a hook-and-loop coupling; the back-panelcoupling member's 2 detachable coupling surface is the “loop” part of ahook-and-loop coupling; and the at least one finger-grip member's 3detachable coupling surface is the “hook” part of a hook-and-loopcoupling.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the back-panel couplingmember 2 is comprised of a plurality of pieces of matting, which can bevarious shaped and sized to accommodate the topology of the back panelof the targeted personal tablet-shaped device, each piece of which canact as a “loop” part of a hook-and-loop coupling.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the detachable couplingbetween the back-panel coupling member 2 and the at least onefinger-grip member 3 is a hook-and-loop coupling; the back-panelcoupling member's 2 detachable coupling surface is the “hook” part of ahook-and-loop coupling; and the at least one finger-grip member's 3detachable coupling surface is the “loop” part of a hook-and-loopcoupling.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the back-panel couplingmember 2 is comprised of a plurality of pieces of matting, which can bevarious shaped and sized to accommodate the topology of the back panelof the targeted personal tablet-shaped device, each piece of which canact as a “hook” part of a hook-and-loop coupling.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the at least onefinger-grip member 3 has at least one looped aperture 4 adapted tosnuggly engage one or more user fingers on a user hand 6; each at leastone looped aperture 4 is oriented such that the longitudinal axis ofeach at least one looped aperture 4 is substantially parallel to thesubstantially planar back surface of the personal tablet-shaped device5; and said snuggly engagement allows a user to securely hold thepersonal tablet-shaped device 5 without a user having to consciouslygrip the personal tablet-shaped device 5.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein each looped aperture 4is adapted to receive only one user finger 6.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein each at least onefinger-grip member 3 has at least one looped aperture 4 adapted to beadjustably fitted to a user finger 6. In a further variation of this, atleast one said finger-grip member 3 looped aperture 4 is defined by astrap of material 4A that is fixedly coupled at a point along the strap4A to the finger-grip member 3; that strap of material 4A has a “hook”part of a hook-and-loop coupling on one side, and has a “loop” part of ahook-and-loop coupling on the other side; and the strap 4A can be madeinto a variable-sized aperture 4 by detachably coupling a portion of the“loop” part of the strap 4A to a portion of the “hook” part of the strap4A.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the at least one loopedaperture 4 is substantially comprised of an elastic material.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the apparatus 1 isadapted for a user to hold a personal tablet-shaped device 5 selectedfrom the group consisting of e-readers, cellular phones, tabletcomputers, personal data assistants, and clipboards.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the apparatus 1 isadapted for a user to hold a personal tablet-shaped device 5 that is atleast partially encased within a protective covering. In somevariations, such a protective covering is substantially comprised of amaterial selected from the group consisting of plastic, rubber, andsilicone, though other suitable elastic materials could also be used.

In still other variations, the back-panel coupling member 2 isconfigured for attachment to a substantially planar back surface on apersonal tablet-shaped device 5 by being incorporated into the structureof a protective covering that is adapted to substantially encase apersonal tablet-shaped device 5.

Fourth Embodiment A Method of Using an Ergonomic User-Hand-EngagementApparatus for a Personal Tablet-Shaped Device

This embodiment is directed generally to a method of using an ergonomicuser-hand-engagement apparatus for a personal, hand-held, tablet-shapeddevice according to either the first or Second Embodiments, describedsupra, wherein the apparatus is designed to enable a user to easily andsecurely hold onto a personal, hand-held, tablet-shaped device such asan electronic reader (for example, Amazon Kindle®, Barnes & Noble Nook®,and the Sony eReader®), a tablet computing device (for example the AppleiPad®, Google Android®, and many others in an ever-expanding market), acellular phone, or even just a common clipboard—while minimizing thefatigue and discomfort on the user's hands.

Refer to FIGS. 1-7. The embodiment is directed to a method of using anapparatus 1 according to the First Embodiment or the Second Embodiment,described supra, in a user's hand 6. The method comprises the steps of:

-   -   Obtaining a personal tablet-shaped device 5 equipped with an        apparatus 1 for securely holding the personal tablet-shaped        device 5 in a user's hand 6 according to the First Embodiment or        the Second Embodiment, described supra;    -   Inserting at least one finger of the user's hand 6 into one of        said at least one looped apertures 4 disposed within the at        least one finger-grip members 3; and    -   Holding the personal tablet-shaped device 5 without needing to        grip the personal tablet-shaped device 5 using the user's        opposing thumb.

This embodiment can be further enhanced by further comprising the stepof adjusting the placement of the back-panel coupling member 2 accordingto the user's preference.

This embodiment can be enhanced wherein the step for inserting at leastone finger of the user's hand 6 is applied to the user's right hand, asinserted into a first finger-grip member 3, and is applied to the user'sleft hand 6, as inserted into a second finger-grip member 3.

This embodiment can be enhanced by further comprising the step of,before the inserting step, adjusting the position of at least onefinger-grip member 3 on the back-panel coupling member 2 according tothe user's preference and comfort.

This embodiment can be further enhanced by further comprising the stepof adjusting the fit of at least one finger-grip member 3 loopedaperture 4 over at least one user finger 6.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the personaltablet-shaped device 5 is selected from the group consisting ofe-readers, cellular phones, tablet computers, personal data assistants,and clipboards.

Fifth Embodiment A Kit for Assembling and Installing an ErgonomicUser-Hand-Engagement Apparatus for a Personal Tablet-Shaped Device

This embodiment is directed generally to a kit for assembling andinstalling an ergonomic user-hand-engagement apparatus onto a personal,hand-held, tablet-shaped device designed to enable a user to easily andsecurely hold onto the target personal, hand-held, tablet-shaped devicesuch as an electronic reader (for example, Amazon Kindle®, Barnes &Noble Nook®, and the Sony eReader®), a tablet computing device (forexample the Apple iPad®, Google Android®, and many others in anever-expanding market), a cellular phone, or even just a common—whileminimizing the fatigue and discomfort on the user's hands.

Refer to FIGS. 1-7. The embodiment is directed to a kit for assemblingan apparatus 1 according to the First or Second Embodiments, describedsupra, for securely holding a personal tablet-shaped device 5 in auser's hand, the personal tablet-shaped device 5 having a substantiallyplanar portion on its back surface. The kit comprises:

-   -   a plurality of variously sized and shaped pieces of matting 2        (see FIG. 7) for assembling a back-panel coupling member 2 to be        installed on a substantially planar back surface of a        user-selected personal tablet-shaped device 5, wherein the        matting pieces 2 have a first side that can be adhesively        attached to the substantially planar back surface of the        user-selected personal tablet-shaped device 5, the matting        pieces 2 have a second side adapted to be detachably coupled to        at least one finger-grip member 3, and the diversity of the        variously sized and shaped pieces of matting 2 is such that a        subset of those pieces of matting 2 can be assembled and        installed on the substantially planar back surface of a        user-selected personal tablet-shaped device 5 by a user to        provide an effective coupling surface for the at least one        finger-grip member 3; and    -   a plurality of finger-grip members 3 (see FIG. 7) adapted to be        detachably coupled to a back-panel coupling member 2 installed        on a user-selected personal tablet-shaped device 5, wherein the        plurality of finger-grip members 3 are provided in various sizes        to facilitate a user's ability to select one or more properly        sized finger-grip members 3 for attachment to the back-panel        coupling member 2, and each of the plurality of finger-grip        members 3 is adapted to be detachably coupled to the back-panel        coupling member 2 in a user-specified orientation relative to        the substantially planar back surface of the user-selected        personal tablet-shaped device 5.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the detachable couplingbetween the assembled and installed back-panel coupling member 2 and anyuser-selected finger-grip member 3 is selected from the group consistingof hook-and-loop coupling, mechanical-snap coupling, and magneticcoupling.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the detachable couplingbetween the assembled and installed back-panel coupling member 2 and anyuser-selected finger-grip member 3 is a hook-and-loop coupling, theassembled and installed back-panel coupling member's 2 detachablecoupling surface is the “loop” part of a hook-and-loop coupling, and theuser-selected finger-grip members' 3 detachable coupling surface is the“hook” part of a hook-and-loop coupling.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the detachable couplingbetween the assembled and installed back-panel coupling member 2 and anyuser-selected finger-grip member 3 is a hook-and-loop coupling, theassembled and installed back-panel coupling member's 2 detachablecoupling surface is the “hook” part of a hook-and-loop coupling, and theuser-selected finger-grip members' 3 detachable coupling surface is the“loop” part of a hook-and-loop coupling.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein each of the plurality offinger-grip members 3 has at least one looped aperture 4 adapted tosnuggly engage one or more user fingers on a user hand 6; when anyuser-selected finger-grip member 3 is attached to a back-panel couplingmember 2 assembled and installed on a user-selected personaltablet-shaped device 5, each at least one looped aperture 4 on eachuser-selected finger-grip member 3 is oriented such that thelongitudinal axis of each at least one looped aperture 4 issubstantially parallel to the substantially planar back surface of theuser-selected personal tablet-shaped device 5; and the snugglyengagement allows a user to securely hold the user-selected personaltablet-shaped device 5 without a user having to consciously grip theuser-selected personal tablet-shaped device 5.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein each looped aperture 4is adapted to receive only one user finger 6.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein each of the plurality offinger-grip members 3 has at least one looped aperture 4 adapted to beadjustably fitted to a user finger 6.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the at least one loopedaperture 4 on each of the plurality of finger-grip members 3 is definedby a strap of material 4A that is fixedly coupled at a point along thestrap 4A to the respective finger-grip member 3 substrate; the strap ofmaterial 4A has a “hook” part of a hook-and-loop coupling on one side,and has a “loop” part of a hook-and-loop coupling on the other side; andthe strap of material 4A can be made into a variable-sized aperture 4 bydetachably coupling a portion of the “loop” part of the strap 4A to aportion of the “hook” part of the strap 4A.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the at least one loopedaperture 4 is substantially comprised of an elastic material.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the kit is adapted for auser to assemble and install a securement apparatus on a plurality ofvariously sized personal tablet-shaped devices selected from the groupconsisting of e-readers, cellular phones, tablet computers, personaldata assistants, and clipboards.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the kit is adapted tofacilitate the assembly of an apparatus 1 for a user to hold a personaltablet-shaped device 5 that is at least partially encased within aprotective covering. In other variations, the protective covering issubstantially comprised of a material selected from the group consistingof plastic, rubber, and silicone, though other suitable elasticmaterials can be used.

In still other variations, the matting pieces 2 that comprise theback-panel coupling member 2 are configured for attachment to asubstantially planar back surface on a personal tablet-shaped device 5by being incorporated into the structure of a protective covering thatis adapted to substantially encase a personal tablet-shaped device 5.

Sixth Embodiment A Method of Making a Kit for Assembling and Installingan Ergonomic User-Hand-Engagement Apparatus for a Personal Tablet-ShapedDevice

This embodiment is directed generally to a method for making kit forassembling and installing an ergonomic user-hand-engagement apparatusonto a personal, hand-held, tablet-shaped device designed to enable auser to easily and securely hold onto the target personal, hand-held,tablet-shaped device such as an electronic reader (for example, AmazonKindle®, Barnes & Noble Nook®, and the Sony eReader®), a tabletcomputing device (for example the Apple iPad®, Google Android®, and manyothers in an ever-expanding market), a cellular phone, or even just acommon—while minimizing the fatigue and discomfort on the user's hands.

Refer to FIGS. 1-7. The embodiment is directed to a method for making akit for assembling an apparatus 1 according to the First or SecondEmbodiments, described supra, for securely holding a personaltablet-shaped device 5 in a user's hand, the personal tablet-shapeddevice 5 having a substantially planar portion on its hack surface. Themethod comprises the steps of:

-   -   Providing a plurality of variously sized and shaped pieces of        matting 2 (see FIG. 7) for assembling a back-panel coupling        member 2 to be installed on a substantially planar back surface        of a user-selected personal tablet-shaped device 5, wherein the        matting pieces 2 have a first side that can be adhesively        attached to the substantially planar back surface of the        user-selected personal tablet-shaped device 5, the matting        pieces 2 have a second side adapted to be detachably coupled to        at least one finger-grip member 3, and the diversity of the        variously sized and shaped pieces of matting 2 is such that a        subset of those pieces of matting 2 can be assembled and        installed on the substantially planar back surface of a        user-selected personal tablet-shaped device 5 by a user to        provide an effective coupling surface for the at least one        finger-grip member 3; and    -   Providing a plurality of finger-grip members 3 (see FIG. 7)        adapted to be detachably coupled to a back-panel coupling member        2 installed on a user-selected personal tablet-shaped device 5,        wherein the plurality of finger-grip members 3 are provided in        various sizes to facilitate a user's ability to select one or        more properly sized finger-grip members 3 for attachment to the        back-panel coupling member 2, and each of the plurality of        finger-grip members 3 is adapted to be detachably coupled to the        back-panel coupling member 2 in a user-specified orientation        relative to the substantially planar back surface of the        user-selected personal tablet-shaped device 5.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the detachable couplingbetween the assembled and installed back-panel coupling member 2 and anyuser-selected finger-grip member 3 is selected from the group consistingof hook-and-loop coupling, mechanical-snap coupling, and magneticcoupling.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the detachable couplingbetween the assembled and installed back-panel coupling member 2 and anyuser-selected finger-grip member 3 is a hook-and-loop coupling, theassembled and installed back-panel coupling member's 2 detachablecoupling surface is the “loop” part of a hook-and-loop coupling, and theuser-selected finger-grip members' 3 detachable coupling surface is the“hook” part of a hook-and-loop coupling.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the detachable couplingbetween the assembled and installed back-panel coupling member 2 and anyuser-selected finger-grip member 3 is a hook-and-loop coupling, theassembled and installed back-panel coupling member's 2 detachablecoupling surface is the “hook” part of a hook-and-loop coupling, and theuser-selected finger-grip members' 3 detachable coupling surface is the“loop” part of a hook-and-loop coupling.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein each of the plurality offinger-grip members 3 has at least one looped aperture 4 adapted tosnuggly engage one or more user fingers on a user hand 6; when anyuser-selected finger-grip member 3 is attached to a back-panel couplingmember 2 assembled and installed on a user-selected personaltablet-shaped device 5, each at least one looped aperture 4 on eachuser-selected finger-grip member 3 is oriented such that thelongitudinal axis of each at least one looped aperture 4 issubstantially parallel to the substantially planar back surface of theuser-selected personal tablet-shaped device 5; and the snugglyengagement allows a user to securely hold the user-selected personaltablet-shaped device 5 without a user having to consciously grip theuser-selected personal tablet-shaped device 5.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein each looped aperture 4is adapted to receive only one user finger 6.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein each of the plurality offinger-grip members 3 has at least one looped aperture 4 adapted to beadjustably fitted to a user finger 6.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the at least one loopedaperture 4 on each of the plurality of finger-grip members 3 is definedby a strap of material 4A that is fixedly coupled at a point along thestrap 4A to the respective finger-grip member 3 substrate; the strap ofmaterial 4A has a “hook” part of a hook-and-loop coupling on one side,and has a “loop” part of a hook-and-loop coupling on the other side 4A;and the strap of material 4A can be made into a variable-sized aperture4 by detachably coupling a portion of the “loop” part of the strap 4A toa portion of the “hook” part of the strap 4A.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the at least one loopedaperture 4 is substantially comprised of an elastic material.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the kit is adapted for auser to assemble and install a securement apparatus on a plurality ofvariously sized personal tablet-shaped devices selected from the groupconsisting of e-readers, cellular phones, tablet computers, personaldata assistants, and clipboards.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the kit is adapted tofacilitate the assembly of an apparatus 1 for a user to hold a personaltablet-shaped device 5 that is at least partially encased within aprotective covering. In other variations, the protective covering issubstantially comprised of a material selected from the group consistingof plastic, rubber, and silicone, though other suitable elasticmaterials can be used.

In still other variations, the matting pieces 2 that comprise theback-panel coupling member 2 are configured for attachment to asubstantially planar back surface on a personal tablet-shaped device 5by being incorporated into the structure of a protective covering thatis adapted to substantially encase a personal tablet-shaped device 5.

Seventh Embodiment A Method of Using a Kit for Assembling and Installingan Ergonomic User-Hand-Engagement Apparatus for a Personal Tablet-ShapedDevice

This embodiment is directed generally to a method of using a kit forassembling and installing an ergonomic user-hand-engagement apparatusfor a personal, hand-held, tablet-shaped device according to either thefirst or Second Embodiments, described supra, wherein the apparatus isdesigned to enable a user to easily and securely hold onto a personal,hand-held, tablet-shaped device such as an electronic reader (forexample, Amazon Kindle®, Barnes & Noble Nook®, and the Sony eReader®), atablet computing device (for example the Apple iPad®, Google Android®,and many others in an ever-expanding market), a cellular phone, or evenjust a common clipboard—while minimizing the fatigue and discomfort onthe user's hands.

Refer to FIGS. 1-7. The embodiment is directed to a method of using akit for assembling an apparatus 1 for securely holding a personaltablet-shaped device 5, according to the First Embodiment or the SecondEmbodiment, described supra, in a user's hand 6. The method comprisesthe steps of:

-   -   Obtaining a kit according to the Fifth Embodiment, described        supra;    -   Determining the target personal tablet-shaped device 5 to        install said securement apparatus 1;    -   Selecting at least one piece of said matting 2 (see FIG. 7) of        compatible size and shape to affix to the back panel of the        target personal tablet-shaped device 5, then affixing said at        least one piece of matting 2 to said back panel 5;    -   Selecting at least one finger-grip member 3 (see FIG. 7) of        compatible size for effective detachable coupling to the        installed matting 2, wherein each selected finger-grip member 3        has a user-specified number of finger-receiving apertures 4; and    -   Coupling the at least one finger-grip member 3 to the installed        matting 2 at a user-specified orientation relative to the back        panel of the target personal tablet-shaped device 5;

This embodiment can be enhanced by further comprising the steps of:

-   -   Inserting at least one finger of the user's hand 6 into at least        one of the user-selected finger-grip members' 3 apertures 4; and    -   Holding the target personal tablet-shaped device 5 without        needing to grip the target personal tablet-shaped device 5 using        the user's opposing thumb.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the target personaltablet-shaped device 5 is selected from the group consisting ofe-readers, cellular phones, tablet computers, personal data assistants,and clipboards.

Eighth Embodiment A Securement-Enhanced. Personal Tablet-Shaped Device

This embodiment is directed generally to a securement-enhanced,personal, hand-held, tablet-shaped device designed to enable a user toeasily and securely hold onto the personal, hand-held, tablet-shapeddevice such as an electronic reader (for example, Amazon Kindle®, Barnes& Noble Nook®, and the Sony eReader®), a tablet computing device (forexample the Apple iPad®, Google Android®, and many others in anever-expanding market), a cellular phone, or even just a common—whileminimizing the fatigue and discomfort on the user's hands.

Refer to FIGS. 1-7. The embodiment is directed to a securement-enhanced,personal tablet-shaped device 1 in a user's hand 6, wherein the personaltablet-shaped device 5 has a substantially planar portion on its backsurface. The device 1 comprises:

-   -   a personal tablet-shaped device 5 having a substantially planar        portion on its back surface;    -   a back-panel coupling member 2 attached to the substantially        planar back surface on the personal tablet-shaped device 5; and    -   at least one finger-grip member 3 detachably coupled to the        back-panel coupling member 2, wherein at least one finger-grip        member 3 can be detachably coupled to the back-panel coupling        member 2 in a user-specified orientation relative to the        substantially planar back surface of the personal tablet-shaped        device 5.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the detachable couplingbetween the back-panel coupling member 2 and the at the least onefinger-grip member 3 is selected from the group consisting ofhook-and-loop coupling, mechanical-snap coupling, and magnetic coupling.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the detachable couplingbetween the back-panel coupling member 2 and the at least onefinger-grip member 3 is a hook-and-loop coupling; the back-panelcoupling member's 2 detachable coupling surface is the “loop” part of ahook-and-loop coupling; and the at least one finger-grip member's 3detachable coupling surface is the “hook” part of a hook-and-loopcoupling.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the back-panel couplingmember 2 is comprised of a plurality of pieces of matting, which can bevarious shaped and sized to accommodate the topology of the back panelof the targeted personal tablet-shaped device, each piece of which canact as a “loop” part of a hook-and-loop coupling.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the detachable couplingbetween the back-panel coupling member 2 and the at least onefinger-grip member 3 is a hook-and-loop coupling; the back-panelcoupling member's 2 detachable coupling surface is the “hook” part of ahook-and-loop coupling; and the at least one finger-grip member's 3detachable coupling surface is the “loop” part of a hook-and-loopcoupling.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the back-panel couplingmember 2 is comprised of a plurality of pieces of matting, which can bevarious shaped and sized to accommodate the topology of the back panelof the targeted personal tablet-shaped device, each piece of which canact as a “hook” part of a hook-and-loop coupling.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the at least onefinger-grip member 3 has at least one looped aperture 4 adapted tosnuggly engage one or more user fingers on a user hand 6; each at leastone looped aperture 4 is oriented such that the longitudinal axis ofeach at least one looped aperture 4 is substantially parallel to thesubstantially planar back surface of the personal tablet-shaped device5; and said snuggly engagement allows a user to securely hold thepersonal tablet-shaped device 5 without a user having to consciouslygrip the personal tablet-shaped device 5.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein each looped aperture 4is adapted to receive only one user finger 6.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein each at least onefinger-grip member 3 has at least one looped aperture 4 adapted to beadjustably fitted to a user finger 6. In a further variation of this, atleast one said finger-grip member 3 looped aperture 4 is defined by astrap of material 4A that is fixedly coupled at a point along the strap4A to the finger-grip member 3; that strap of material 4A has a “hook”part of a hook-and-loop coupling on one side, and has a “loop” part of ahook-and-loop coupling on the other side; and that strap of material 4Acan be made into a variable-sized aperture 4 by detachably coupling aportion of the “loop” part of the strap 4A to a portion of the “hook”part of the strap 4A.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the at least one loopedaperture 4 is substantially comprised of an elastic material.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the personaltablet-shaped device 5 is selected from the group consisting ofe-readers, cellular phones, tablet computers, personal data assistants,and clipboards.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the personaltablet-shaped device 5 is at least partially encased within a protectivecovering, including the substantially planar portion on the back surfaceof the personal tablet-shaped device 5. In other variations, thisprotective covering is substantially comprised of a material selectedfrom the group consisting of plastic, rubber, and silicone, though othersuitable elastic materials may be used.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the back-panel couplingmember 2 is configured for attachment to a substantially planar backsurface on a personal tablet-shaped device 5 by being incorporated intothe structure of a protective covering that is adapted to substantiallyencase a personal tablet-shaped device 5.

Ninth Embodiment A Method of Making a Securement-Enhanced, PersonalTablet-Shaped Device

This embodiment is directed generally to a method of making asecurement-enhanced, personal, hand-held, tablet-shaped device designedto enable a user to easily and securely hold onto the personal,hand-held, tablet-shaped device such as an electronic reader (forexample, Amazon Kindle®, Barnes & Noble Nook®, and the Sony eReader®), atablet computing device (for example the Apple iPad®, Google Android®,and many others in an ever-expanding market), a cellular phone, or evenjust a common—while minimizing the fatigue and discomfort on the user'shands.

Refer to FIGS. 1-7. The embodiment is directed to a method of making asecurement-enhanced, personal tablet-shaped device 1 in a user's hand 6,wherein the personal tablet-shaped device 5 has a substantially planarportion on its back surface. The method comprises the steps of:

-   -   Providing a personal tablet-shaped device 5 having a        substantially planar portion on its back surface;    -   Providing a back-panel coupling member 2 attached to the        substantially planar back surface on the personal tablet-shaped        device 5; and    -   Providing at least one finger-grip member 3 detachably coupled        to the back-panel coupling member 2, wherein at least one        finger-grip member 3 can be detachably coupled to the back-panel        coupling member 2 in a user-specified orientation relative to        the substantially planar back surface of the personal        tablet-shaped device 5.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the detachable couplingbetween the back-panel coupling member 2 and the at the least onefinger-grip member 3 is selected from the group consisting ofhook-and-loop coupling, mechanical-snap coupling, and magnetic coupling.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the detachable couplingbetween the back-panel coupling member 2 and the at least onefinger-grip member 3 is a hook-and-loop coupling; the back-panelcoupling member's 2 detachable coupling surface is the “loop” part of ahook-and-loop coupling; and the at least one finger-grip member's 3detachable coupling surface is the “hook” part of a hook-and-loopcoupling.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the back-panel couplingmember 2 is comprised of a plurality of pieces of matting, which can bevarious shaped and sized to accommodate the topology of the back panelof the targeted personal tablet-shaped device, each piece of which canact as a “loop” part of a hook-and-loop coupling.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the detachable couplingbetween the back-panel coupling member 2 and the at least onefinger-grip member 3 is a hook-and-loop coupling; the back-panelcoupling member's 2 detachable coupling surface is the “hook” part of ahook-and-loop coupling; and the at least one finger-grip member's 3detachable coupling surface is the “loop” part of a hook-and-loopcoupling.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the back-panel couplingmember 2 is comprised of a plurality of pieces of matting, which can bevarious shaped and sized to accommodate the topology of the hack panelof the targeted personal tablet-shaped device, each piece of which canact as a “hook” part of a hook-and-loop coupling.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the at least onefinger-grip member 3 has at least one looped aperture 4 adapted tosnuggly engage one or more user fingers on a user hand 6; each at leastone looped aperture 4 is oriented such that the longitudinal axis ofeach at least one looped aperture 4 is substantially parallel to thesubstantially planar back surface of the personal tablet-shaped device5; and said snuggly engagement allows a user to securely hold thepersonal tablet-shaped device 5 without a user having to consciouslygrip the personal tablet-shaped device 5.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein each looped aperture 4is adapted to receive only one user finger 6.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein each at least onefinger-grip member 3 has at least one looped aperture 4 adapted to beadjustably fitted to a user finger 6. In a further variation of this, atleast one said finger-grip member 3 looped aperture 4 is defined by astrap of material 4A that is fixedly coupled at a point along the strap4A to the finger-grip member 3; that strap 4A of material has a “hook”part of a hook-and-loop coupling on one side, and has a “loop” part of ahook-and-loop coupling on the other side; and that strap of material 4Acan be made into a variable-sized aperture 4 by detachably coupling aportion of the “loop” part of the strap 4A to a portion of the “hook”part of the strap 4A.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the at least one loopedaperture 4 is substantially comprised of an elastic material.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the personaltablet-shaped device 5 is selected from the group consisting ofc-readers, cellular phones, tablet computers, personal data assistants,and clipboards.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the personaltablet-shaped device 5 is at least partially encased within a protectivecovering, including the substantially planar portion on the back surfaceof the personal tablet-shaped device 5. In other variations, thisprotective covering is substantially comprised of a material selectedfrom the group consisting of plastic, rubber, and silicone, though othersuitable elastic materials may be used.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the back-panel couplingmember 2 is configured for attachment to a substantially planar backsurface on a personal tablet-shaped device 5 by being incorporated intothe structure of a protective covering that is adapted to substantiallyencase a personal tablet-shaped device 5.

Tenth Embodiment A Method of Using a Securement-Enhanced, PersonalTablet-Shaped Device

This embodiment is directed generally to a method of using asecurement-enhanced, personal, hand-held, tablet-shaped device designedto enable a user to easily and securely hold onto the personal,hand-held, tablet-shaped device such as an electronic reader (forexample, Amazon Kindle®, Barnes & Noble Nook®, and the Sony eReader®), atablet computing device (for example the Apple iPad®, Google Android®,and many others in an ever-expanding market), a cellular phone, or evenjust a common—while minimizing the fatigue and discomfort on the user'shands.

Refer to FIGS. 1-7. The embodiment is directed to a method of using asecurement-enhanced, personal tablet-shaped device 1 in a user's hand 6.The method comprises the steps of:

-   -   Obtaining a personal tablet-shaped device equipped with an        apparatus for securely holding the personal tablet-shaped device        in a user's hand according to the Eighth embodiment, described        supra;    -   Inserting at least one finger of the user's hand 6 into one of        said at least one looped apertures 4 disposed within the at        least one finger-grip members 3; and    -   Holding the personal tablet-shaped device 5 without needing to        grip the personal tablet-shaped device 5 using the user's        opposing thumb.

This embodiment can be further enhanced by further comprising the stepof adjusting the placement of the back-panel coupling member 2 accordingto the user's preference.

This embodiment can be enhanced wherein the step for inserting at leastone finger of the user's hand 6 is applied to the user's right hand, asinserted into a first finger-grip member 3, and is applied to the user'sleft hand 6, as inserted into a second finger-grip member 3.

This embodiment can be enhanced by further comprising the step of,before the inserting step, adjusting the position of at least onefinger-grip member 3 on the back-panel coupling member 2 according tothe user's preference and comfort.

This embodiment can be further enhanced by further comprising the stepof adjusting the fit of at least one finger-grip member 3 loopedaperture 4 over at least one user finger 6.

This embodiment can be further enhanced wherein the personaltablet-shaped device 5 is selected from the group consisting ofe-readers, cellular phones, tablet computers, personal data assistants,and clipboards.

Alternative Embodiments and Other Variations

The various embodiments and variations thereof described herein and/orillustrated in the accompanying Figures are merely exemplary and are notmeant to limit the scope of the inventive disclosure. It should beappreciated that numerous variations of the invention have beencontemplated as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the artwith the benefit of this disclosure.

Hence, those ordinarily skilled in the art will have no difficultydevising myriad obvious variations and improvements to the invention,all of which are intended to be encompassed within the scope of thedescription and figures herein.

1. An apparatus for securely holding a personal tablet-shaped device in a user's hand, said personal tablet-shaped device having a substantially planar portion on its back surface, comprising a back-panel coupling member configured for attachment to a substantially planar back surface on a personal tablet-shaped device; and at least one finger-grip member configured for detachable coupling to said back-panel coupling member, wherein said at least one finger-grip member can be detachably coupled to said back-panel coupling member in a user-specified orientation relative to a substantially planar back surface of said personal tablet-shaped device.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said detachable coupling between said back-panel coupling member and said at least one finger-grip member is selected from the group consisting of hook-and-loop coupling, mechanical-snap coupling, and magnetic coupling.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein: said detachable coupling between said back-panel coupling member and said at least one finger-grip member is a hook-and-loop coupling; said back-panel coupling member's detachable coupling surface is the “loop” part of a hook-and-loop coupling; and said at least one finger-grip member's detachable coupling surface is the “hook” part of a hook-and-loop coupling.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said back-panel coupling member is comprised of a plurality of pieces of matting, each piece of which can act as a “loop” part of a hook-and-loop coupling.
 5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein: said detachable coupling between said back-panel coupling member and said at least one finger-grip member is a hook-and-loop coupling; said back-panel coupling member's detachable coupling surface is the “hook” part of a hook-and-loop coupling; and said at least one finger-grip member's detachable coupling surface is the “loop” part of a hook-and-loop coupling.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said back-panel coupling member is comprised of a plurality of pieces of matting, each piece of which can act as a “hook” part of a hook-and-loop coupling.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: said at least one finger-grip member has at least one looped aperture adapted to snuggly engage one or more user fingers on a user hand; each at least one looped aperture is oriented such that the longitudinal axis of each said at least one looped aperture is substantially parallel to said substantially planar back surface of said personal tablet-shaped device; and said snuggly engagement allows a user to securely hold said personal tablet-shaped device without a user having to consciously grip said personal tablet-shaped device.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein each said looped aperture is adapted to receive only one user finger.
 9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein each at least one finger-grip member has at least one looped aperture adapted to be adjustably fitted to a user finger.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein: said at least one said finger-grip member looped aperture is defined by a strap of material that is fixedly coupled at a point along said strap to said finger-grip member; said strap of material has a “hook” part of a hook-and-loop coupling on one side, and has a “loop” part of a hook-and-loop coupling on the other side; and said strap of material can be made into a variable-sized aperture by detachably coupling a portion of said “loop” part of said strap to a portion of said “hook” part of said strap.
 11. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said at least one looped aperture is substantially comprised of an elastic material.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus is adapted for a user to hold a personal tablet-shaped device selected from the group consisting of e-readers, cellular phones, tablet computers, personal data assistants, and clipboards.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus is adapted for a user to hold a personal tablet-shaped device that is at least partially encased within a protective covering.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said protective covering is substantially comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, rubber, and silicone.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said back-panel coupling member is configured for attachment to a substantially planar back surface on a personal tablet-shaped device by being incorporated into the structure of a protective covering that is adapted to substantially encase a personal tablet-shaped device.
 16. A method of making an apparatus for securely holding a personal tablet-shaped device in a user's hand, said personal tablet-shaped device having a substantially planar portion on its back surface, the method comprising the steps of: providing a back-panel coupling member configured for attachment to a substantially planar back surface on a personal tablet-shaped device; and providing at least one finger-grip member configured for detachable coupling to said back-panel coupling member, wherein said at least one finger-grip member can be detachably coupled to said back-panel coupling member in a user-specified orientation relative to a substantially planar back surface of said personal tablet-shaped device.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein said detachable coupling between said back-panel coupling member and said at least one finger-grip member is selected from the group consisting of hook-and-loop coupling, mechanical-snap coupling, and magnetic coupling.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein: said detachable coupling between said back-panel coupling member and said at least one finger-grip member is a hook-and-loop coupling; said back-panel coupling member's detachable coupling surface is the “loop” part of a hook-and-loop coupling; and said at least one finger-grip member's detachable coupling surface is the “hook” part of a hook-and-loop coupling.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein said back-panel coupling member is comprised of a plurality of pieces of matting, each piece of which can act as a “loop” part of a hook-and-loop coupling.
 20. The method of claim 17, wherein: said detachable coupling between said back-panel coupling member and said at least one finger-grip member is a hook-and-loop coupling; said back-panel coupling member's detachable coupling surface is the “hook” part of a hook-and-loop coupling; and said at least one finger-grip member's detachable coupling surface is the “loop” part of a hook-and-loop coupling.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein said back-panel coupling member is comprised of a plurality of pieces of matting, each piece of which can act as a “hook” part of a hook-and-loop coupling.
 22. The method of claim 16, wherein: said at least one finger-grip member has at least one looped aperture adapted to snuggly engage one or more user fingers on a user hand; each at least one looped aperture is oriented such that the longitudinal axis of each said at least one looped aperture is substantially parallel to said substantially planar back surface of said personal tablet-shaped device; and said snuggly engagement allows a user to securely hold said personal tablet-shaped device without a user having to consciously grip said personal tablet-shaped device.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein each said looped aperture is adapted to receive only one user finger.
 24. The method of claim 22, wherein each at least one finger-grip member has at least one looped aperture adapted to be adjustably fitted to a user finger.
 25. The method of claim 24, wherein: said at least one said finger-grip member looped aperture is defined by a strap of material that is fixedly coupled at a point along said strap to said finger-grip member; said strap of material has a “hook” part of a hook-and-loop coupling on one side, and has a “loop” part of a hook-and-loop coupling on the other side; and said strap of material can be made into a variable-sized aperture by detachably coupling a portion of said “loop” part of said strap to a portion of said “hook” part of said strap.
 26. The method of claim 22, wherein said at least one looped aperture is substantially comprised of an elastic material.
 27. The method of claim 16, wherein said apparatus is adapted for a user to hold a personal tablet-shaped device selected from the group consisting of e-readers, cellular phones, tablet computers, personal data assistants, and clipboards.
 28. The method of claim 16, wherein said apparatus is adapted for a user to hold a personal tablet-shaped device that is at least partially encased within a protective covering.
 29. The method of claim 28, wherein said protective covering is substantially comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, rubber, and silicone.
 30. The method of claim 16, wherein said back-panel coupling member is configured for attachment to a substantially planar back surface on a personal tablet-shaped device by being incorporated into the structure of a protective covering that is adapted to substantially encase a personal tablet-shaped device.
 31. A method of using a personal tablet-shaped device in a user's hand, the method comprising the steps of: obtaining a personal tablet-shaped device equipped with an apparatus for securely holding said personal tablet-shaped device in a user's hand according to claim 7; inserting at least one finger of the user's hand into one of said at least one looped apertures disposed within said at least one finger-grip members; and holding said personal tablet-shaped device without needing to grip said personal tablet-shaped device using the user's opposing thumb.
 32. The method of claim 31, further comprising the step of adjusting the placement of said back-panel coupling member according to the user's preference.
 33. The method of claim 31, wherein the step for inserting at least one finger of the user's hand is applied to the user's right hand, as inserted into a first finger-grip member, and is applied to the user's left hand, as inserted into a second finger-grip member.
 34. The method of claim 31, further comprising the step of, before the inserting step, adjusting the position of said at least one finger-grip member on said back-panel coupling member according to the user's preference and comfort.
 35. The method of claim 31, wherein said securing apparatus further incorporates the limitations of claim 9, and further comprising the step of adjusting the fit of at least one finger-grip member looped aperture over at least one user finger.
 36. The method of claim 31, wherein said personal tablet-shaped device is selected from the group consisting of e-readers, cellular phones, tablet computers, personal data assistants, and clipboards.
 37. A kit for assembling an apparatus for securely holding a personal tablet-shaped device in a user's hand, said personal tablet-shaped device having a substantially planar portion on its back surface, said kit comprising: a plurality of variously sized and shaped pieces of matting for assembling a back-panel coupling member to be installed on a substantially planar back surface of a user-selected personal tablet-shaped device, wherein said matting pieces have a first side that can be adhesively attached to said substantially planar back surface of said user-selected personal tablet-shaped device, wherein said matting pieces have a second side adapted to be detachably coupled to at least one finger-grip member, and wherein the diversity of said variously sized and shaped pieces of matting is such that a subset of said pieces of matting can be assembled and installed on said substantially planar back surface of said user-selected personal tablet-shaped device by a user to provide an effective coupling surface for said at least one finger-grip member; and a plurality of finger-grip members adapted to be detachably coupled to a back-panel coupling member installed on a user-selected personal tablet-shaped device, wherein said plurality of finger-grip members are provided in various sizes to facilitate a user's ability to select one or more properly sized finger-grip members for attachment to said back-panel coupling member, and wherein each of said plurality of finger-grip members is adapted to be detachably coupled to said back-panel coupling member in a user-specified orientation relative to said substantially planar back surface of said user-selected personal tablet-shaped device.
 38. The kit of claim 37, wherein said detachable coupling between said assembled and installed back-panel coupling member and any user-selected finger-grip member is selected from the group consisting of hook-and-loop coupling, mechanical-snap coupling, and magnetic coupling.
 39. The kit of claim 38, wherein: said detachable coupling between said assembled and installed back-panel coupling member and any user-selected finger-grip member is a hook-and-loop coupling; said assembled and installed back-panel coupling member's detachable coupling surface is the “loop” part of a hook-and-loop coupling; and said user-selected finger-grip members' detachable coupling surface is the “hook” part of a hook-and-loop coupling.
 40. The kit of claim 38, wherein: said detachable coupling between said assembled and installed back-panel coupling member and any user-selected finger-grip member is a hook-and-loop coupling; said assembled and installed back-panel coupling member's detachable coupling surface is the “hook” part of a hook-and-loop coupling; and said user-selected finger-grip members' detachable coupling surface is the “loop” part of a hook-and-loop coupling.
 41. The kit of claim 37, wherein: each of said plurality of finger-grip members has at least one looped aperture adapted to snuggly engage one or more user fingers on a user hand; when any user-selected finger-grip member is attached to a back-panel coupling member assembled and installed on a user-selected personal tablet-shaped device, each at least one looped aperture on each said user-selected finger-grip member is oriented such that the longitudinal axis of each said at least one looped aperture is substantially parallel to said substantially planar back surface of said user-selected personal tablet-shaped device; and said snuggly engagement allows a user to securely hold said user-selected personal tablet-shaped device without a user having to consciously grip said user-selected personal tablet-shaped device.
 42. The kit of claim 41, wherein each said looped aperture is adapted to receive only one user finger.
 43. The kit of claim 41, wherein each of said plurality of finger-grip members has at least one looped aperture adapted to be adjustably fitted to a user finger.
 44. The kit of claim 43, wherein: said at least one looped aperture on each of said plurality of finger-grip members is defined by a strap of material that is fixedly coupled at a point along said strap to said respective finger-grip member; said strap of material has a “hook” part of a hook-and-loop coupling on one side, and has a “loop” part of a hook-and-loop coupling on the other side; and said strap of material can be made into a variable-sized aperture by detachably coupling a portion of said “loop” part of said strap to a portion of said “hook” part of said strap.
 45. The kit of claim 43, wherein said at least one looped aperture is substantially comprised of an elastic material.
 46. The kit of claim 37, wherein said kit is adapted for a user to assemble and install a securement apparatus on a plurality of variously sized personal tablet-shaped devices selected from the group consisting of e-readers, cellular phones, tablet computers, personal data assistants, and clipboards.
 47. The kit of claim 37, wherein said kit is adapted to facilitate the assembly of an apparatus for a user to hold a personal tablet-shaped device that is at least partially encased within a protective covering.
 48. The kit of claim 47, wherein said protective covering is substantially comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, rubber, and silicone.
 49. The kit of claim 37, wherein matting pieces that comprise said back-panel coupling member are configured for attachment to a substantially planar back surface on a personal tablet-shaped device by being incorporated into the structure of a protective covering that is adapted to substantially encase a personal tablet-shaped device.
 50. A method of making a kit for assembling an apparatus for securely holding a personal tablet-shaped device in a user's hand, said personal tablet-shaped device having a substantially planar portion on its back surface, the method comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of variously sized and shaped pieces of matting for assembling a back-panel coupling member to be installed on a substantially planar back surface of a user-selected personal tablet-shaped device, wherein said matting pieces have a first side that can be adhesively attached to said substantially planar back surface of said user-selected personal tablet-shaped device, and wherein said matting pieces have a second side adapted to be detachably coupled to at least one finger-grip member, and wherein the diversity of said variously sized and shaped pieces of matting is such that a subset of said pieces of matting can be assembled and installed on said substantially planar back surface of said user-selected personal tablet-shaped device by a user to provide an effective coupling surface for said at least one finger-grip member; and providing a plurality of finger-grip members adapted to be detachably coupled to a back-panel coupling member installed on a user-selected personal tablet-shaped device, wherein said plurality of finger-grip members are provided in various sizes to facilitate a user's ability to select one or more properly sized finger-grip members for attachment to said back-panel coupling member, and wherein each of said plurality of finger-grip members is adapted to be detachably coupled to said back-panel coupling member in a user-specified orientation relative to said substantially planar back surface of said user-selected personal tablet-shaped device.
 51. The method of claim 50, wherein said detachable coupling between said assembled and installed back-panel coupling member and any user-selected finger-grip member is selected from the group consisting of hook-and-loop coupling, mechanical-snap coupling, and magnetic coupling.
 52. The method of claim 51, wherein: said detachable coupling between said assembled and installed back-panel coupling member and any user-selected finger-grip member is a hook-and-loop coupling; said assembled and installed back-panel coupling member's detachable coupling surface is the “loop” part of a hook-and-loop coupling; and said user-selected finger-grip members' detachable coupling surface is the “hook” part of a hook-and-loop coupling.
 53. The method of claim 51, wherein: said detachable coupling between said assembled and installed back-panel coupling member and any user-selected finger-grip member is a hook-and-loop coupling; said assembled and installed back-panel coupling member's detachable coupling surface is the “hook” part of a hook-and-loop coupling; and said user-selected finger-grip members' detachable coupling surface is the “loop” part of a hook-and-loop coupling.
 54. The method of claim 50, wherein: each of said plurality of finger-grip members has at least one looped aperture adapted to snuggly engage one or more user fingers on a user hand; when any user-selected finger-grip member is attached to a back-panel coupling member assembled and installed on a user-selected personal tablet-shaped device, each at least one looped aperture on each said user-selected finger-grip member is oriented such that the longitudinal axis of each said at least one looped aperture is substantially parallel to said substantially planar back surface of said user-selected personal tablet-shaped device; and said snuggly engagement allows a user to securely hold said user-selected personal tablet-shaped device without a user having to consciously grip said user-selected personal tablet-shaped device.
 55. The method of claim 54, wherein each said looped aperture is adapted to receive only one user finger.
 56. The method of claim 54, wherein each of said plurality of finger-grip members has at least one looped aperture adapted to be adjustably fitted to a user finger.
 57. The method of claim 56, wherein: said at least one looped aperture on each of said plurality of finger-grip members is defined by a strap of material that is fixedly coupled at a point along said strap to said respective finger-grip member; said strap of material has a “hook” part of a hook-and-loop coupling on one side, and has a “loop” part of a hook-and-loop coupling on the other side; and said strap of material can be made into a variable-sized aperture by detachably coupling a portion of said “loop” part of said strap to a portion of said “hook” part of said strap.
 58. The method of claim 56, wherein said at least one looped aperture is substantially comprised of an elastic material.
 59. The method of claim 50, wherein said kit is adapted for a user to assemble and install a securement apparatus on a plurality of variously sized personal tablet-shaped devices selected from the group consisting of e-readers, cellular phones, tablet computers, personal data assistants, and clipboards.
 60. The method of claim 50, wherein said kit is adapted to facilitate the assembly of an apparatus for a user to hold a personal tablet-shaped device that is at least partially encased within a protective covering.
 61. The method of claim 60, wherein said protective covering is substantially comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, rubber, and silicone.
 62. The method of claim 50, wherein matting pieces that comprise said back-panel coupling member are configured for attachment to a substantially planar back surface on a personal tablet-shaped device by being incorporated into the structure of a protective covering that is adapted to substantially encase a personal tablet-shaped device.
 63. A method of using a kit for assembling an apparatus for securely holding a personal tablet-shaped device in a user's hand, the method comprising the steps of: obtaining a kit according to claim 41; determining the target personal tablet-shaped device to install said securement apparatus; selecting at least one piece of said matting of compatible size and shape to affix to the back panel of said target personal tablet-shaped device, then affixing said at least one piece of matting to said back panel; selecting at least one finger-grip member of compatible size for effective detachable coupling to said installed matting, wherein each selected finger-grip member has a user-specified number of finger-receiving apertures; coupling said at least one finger-grip member to said installed matting at a user-specified orientation relative to the back panel of said target personal tablet-shaped device; inserting at least one finger of the user's hand into at least one said user-selected finger-grip members' apertures; and holding said target personal tablet-shaped device without needing to grip said target personal tablet-shaped device using the user's opposing thumb.
 64. The method of claim 63, wherein said target personal tablet-shaped device is selected from the group consisting of e-readers, cellular phones, tablet computers, personal data assistants, and clipboards.
 65. A securement-enhanced, personal tablet-shaped device, comprising a personal tablet-shaped device having a substantially planar portion on its back surface; a back-panel coupling member attached to said substantially planar back surface on said personal tablet-shaped device; and at least one finger-grip member detachably coupled to said back-panel coupling member, wherein said at least one finger-grip member can be detachably coupled to said back-panel coupling member in a user-specified orientation relative to said substantially planar back surface of said personal tablet-shaped device.
 66. The device of claim 65, wherein said detachable coupling between said back-panel coupling member and said at least one finger-grip member is selected from the group consisting of hook-and-loop coupling, mechanical-snap coupling, and magnetic coupling.
 67. The device of claim 66, wherein: said detachable coupling between said back-panel coupling member and said at least one finger-grip member is a hook-and-loop coupling; said back-panel coupling member's detachable coupling surface is the “loop” part of a hook-and-loop coupling; and said at least one finger-grip member's detachable coupling surface is the “hook” part of a hook-and-loop coupling.
 68. The device of claim 67, wherein said back-panel coupling member is comprised of a plurality of pieces of matting, each piece of which can act as a “loop” part of a hook-and-loop coupling.
 69. The device of claim 66, wherein: said detachable coupling between said back-panel coupling member and said at least one finger-grip member is a hook-and-loop coupling; said back-panel coupling member's detachable coupling surface is the “hook” part of a hook-and-loop coupling; and said at least one finger-grip member's detachable coupling surface is the “loop” part of a hook-and-loop coupling.
 70. The device of claim 69, wherein said back-panel coupling member is comprised of a plurality of pieces of matting, each piece of which can act as a “hook” part of a hook-and-loop coupling.
 71. The device of claim 65, wherein: said at least one finger-grip member has at least one looped aperture adapted to snuggly engage one or more user fingers on a user hand; each at least one looped aperture is oriented such that the longitudinal axis of each said at least one looped aperture is substantially parallel to said substantially planar back surface of said personal tablet-shaped device; and said snuggly engagement allows a user to securely hold said personal tablet-shaped device without a user having to consciously grip said personal tablet-shaped device.
 72. The device of claim 71, wherein each said looped aperture is adapted to receive only one user finger.
 73. The device of claim 71, wherein each at least one finger-grip member has at least one looped aperture adapted to be adjustably fitted to a user finger.
 74. The device of claim 73, wherein: said at least one said finger-grip member looped aperture is defined by a strap of material that is fixedly coupled at a point along said strap to said finger-grip member; said strap of material has a “hook” part of a hook-and-loop coupling on one side, and has a “loop” part of a hook-and-loop coupling on the other side; and said strap of material can be made into a variable-sized aperture by detachably coupling a portion of said “loop” part of said strap to a portion of said “hook” part of said strap.
 75. The device of claim 71, wherein said at least one looped aperture is substantially comprised of an elastic material.
 76. The device of claim 75, wherein said personal tablet-shaped device is selected from the group consisting of e-readers, cellular phones, tablet computers, personal data assistants, and clipboards.
 77. The device of claim 65, wherein said personal tablet-shaped device is at least partially encased within a protective covering, including said substantially planar portion on the back surface of said personal tablet-shaped device.
 78. The device of claim 77, wherein said protective covering is substantially comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, rubber, and silicone.
 79. The device of claim 65, wherein said back-panel coupling member is configured for attachment to a substantially planar back surface on a personal tablet-shaped device by being incorporated into the structure of a protective covering that is adapted to substantially encase a personal tablet-shaped device.
 80. A method of making a securement-enhanced, personal tablet-shaped device, comprising: providing a personal tablet-shaped device having a substantially planar portion on its back surface; providing a back-panel coupling member configured for attachment to a substantially planar back surface on said personal tablet-shaped device; and providing at least one finger-grip member configured for detachable coupling to said back-panel coupling member, wherein said at least one finger-grip member can be detachably coupled to said back-panel coupling member in a user-specified orientation relative to a substantially planar back surface of said personal tablet-shaped device.
 81. The method of claim 80, wherein said detachable coupling between said back-panel coupling member and said at least one finger-grip member is selected from the group consisting of hook-and-loop coupling, mechanical-snap coupling, and magnetic coupling.
 82. The method of claim 81, wherein: said detachable coupling between said back-panel coupling member and said at least one finger-grip member is a hook-and-loop coupling; said back-panel coupling member's detachable coupling surface is the “loop” part of a hook-and-loop coupling; and said at least one finger-grip member's detachable coupling surface is the “hook” part of a hook-and-loop coupling.
 83. The method of claim 82, wherein said back-panel coupling member is comprised of a plurality of pieces of matting, each piece of which can act as a “loop” part of a hook-and-loop coupling.
 84. The method of claim 81, wherein: said detachable coupling between said back-panel coupling member and said at least one finger-grip member is a hook-and-loop coupling; said back-panel coupling member's detachable coupling surface is the “hook” part of a hook-and-loop coupling; and said at least one finger-grip member's detachable coupling surface is the “loop” part of a hook-and-loop coupling.
 85. The method of claim 84, wherein said back-panel coupling member is comprised of a plurality of pieces of matting, each piece of which can act as a “hook” part of a hook-and-loop coupling.
 86. The method of claim 80, wherein: said at least one finger-grip member has at least one looped aperture adapted to snuggly engage one or more user fingers on a user hand; each at least one looped aperture is oriented such that the longitudinal axis of each said at least one looped aperture is substantially parallel to said substantially planar back surface of said personal tablet-shaped device; and said snuggly engagement allows a user to securely hold said personal tablet-shaped device without a user having to consciously grip said personal tablet-shaped device.
 87. The method of claim 86, wherein each said looped aperture is adapted to receive only one user finger.
 88. The method of claim 86, wherein each at least one finger-grip member has at least one looped aperture adapted to be adjustably fitted to a user finger.
 89. The method of claim 88, wherein: said at least one said finger-grip member looped aperture is defined by a strap of material that is fixedly coupled at a point along said strap to said finger-grip member; said strap of material has a “hook” part of a hook-and-loop coupling on one side, and has a “loop” part of a hook-and-loop coupling on the other side; and said strap of material can be made into a variable-sized aperture by detachably coupling a portion of said “loop” part of said strap to a portion of said “hook” part of said strap.
 90. The method of claim 86, wherein said at least one looped aperture is substantially comprised of an elastic material.
 91. The method of claim 80, wherein said personal tablet-shaped device is selected from the group consisting of e-readers, cellular phones, tablet computers, personal data assistants, and clipboards.
 92. The method of claim 80, wherein said personal tablet-shaped device is at least partially encased within a protective covering, including said substantially planar portion on the back surface of said personal tablet-shaped device.
 93. The method of claim 92, wherein said protective covering is substantially comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, rubber, and silicone.
 94. The method of claim 80, wherein said back-panel coupling member is configured for attachment to a substantially planar back surface on a personal tablet-shaped device by being incorporated into the structure of a protective covering that is adapted to substantially encase a personal tablet-shaped device.
 95. A method of using a securement-enhanced, personal tablet-shaped device, the method comprising the steps of: obtaining a personal tablet-shaped device equipped with an apparatus for securely holding said personal tablet-shaped device in a user's hand according to claim 53; inserting at least one finger of the user's hand into one of said at least one looped apertures disposed within said at least one finger-grip members; and holding said personal tablet-shaped device without needing to grip said personal tablet-shaped device using the user's opposing thumb.
 96. The method of claim 95, further comprising the step of adjusting the placement of said back-panel coupling member according to the user's preference.
 97. The method of claim 95, wherein the step for inserting at least one finger of the user's hand is applied to the user's right hand, as inserted into a first finger-grip member, and is applied to the user's left hand, as inserted into a second finger-grip member.
 98. The method of claim 95, further comprising the step of, before the inserting step, adjusting the position of said at least one finger-grip member on said back-panel coupling member according to the user's preference and comfort.
 99. The method of claim 95, wherein said securing apparatus further incorporates the limitations of claim 73, and further comprising the step of adjusting the fit of at least one finger-grip member looped aperture over at least one user finger.
 100. The method of claim 95, wherein said personal tablet-shaped device is selected from the group consisting of e-readers, cellular phones, tablet computers, personal data assistants, and clipboards. 